Huge Growth By B.P.

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31498, 12 October 1967, Page 10

Huge Growth By B.P.

The British Petroleum Group, of which B.P. (New Zealand) Ltd is an important part, is one of the largest oil concerns in the world, running a fleet of more than 100 ships.

It awns or has in various stages of planning and construction 48 oil refineries. The development of the New Zealand company in the South Island has been one of amazing progress. When B.P. started South Island operations in 1948 there was a staff of three in Christchurch.

Continued growth of the company's business forced, it to move from its early

offices, first to Cashel Street and now to B.N.Z. House.

Now, a staff of about 70 work in conditions far, removed from those of just after the war.

The original staff dealt mainly with construction matters, but today the staff includes specialists in engineering, aviation, home heating, motor racing, and public relations.

The company started marketing in the South Island in 1949, but its sales were confined to petrol. Later that year the ; company was awarded a> contract to supply fuel, and oil to N.A.C. and the R.N.ZA.F.

Since then, it hafc expanded its facilities to include practically the whole range of petroleum products.